‘SportsCenter’ gets ratings boost from MNF controversy

Overnight Nielsen ratings show that “SportsCenter,” which followed the Packers-Seahawks telecast on ESPN, may have achieved its highest rating in nearly 17 years, thanks to the “Monday Night Football” ending.

According to figures published by Sports Business Daily, the game telecast drew a 11.5 rating, down 3 percent from last year’s Week 3 Redskins-Cowboys (11.9).

The “SportsCenter” edition that followed generated a 5.0 overnight Nielsen, which if it holds up would be the highest since Dec. 10, 1995, which followed a Packers-Buccaneers Sunday night game on the network.

“SportsCenter” has focused most of its coverage today on the ending, in which an apparent interception by the Packers’ M.D. Jennings was ruled a dual catch with Seahawks’ Golden Tate, who was credited with a touchdown that won the game for Seattle, 14-12.